Colombian Family Files Urgent Human Rights Complaint Over U.S. Airstrike

UPDATE: A Colombian family has filed a formal human rights complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights over the death of fisherman Alejandro Carranza, attributed to a U.S. military airstrike in the Caribbean on September 15. This urgent petition underscores growing concerns regarding U.S. operations against drug-trafficking networks and its implications for human rights.

The strike, part of a controversial campaign by Washington, killed Carranza while he was performing his usual fishing duties. His family asserts that he had sent a distress signal before the missile hit, raising alarming questions about the legality and ethics of the military operation. The commission, which monitors human rights across the Americas, now faces pressure to investigate these claims thoroughly.

More than 20 airstrikes have reportedly occurred since early September, targeting vessels linked to drug trafficking, with over 80 fatalities and only three survivors. The U.S. asserts that these actions comply with the Law of Armed Conflict, claiming the targets are part of criminal organizations threatening U.S. national security. However, the Carranza family asserts he had no ties to such networks and was merely working to support his family.

“Evidence shows that the last boat bombed was Colombian, with Colombian citizens on board,” stated Colombian President Gustavo Petro on October 8. “I hope their families come forward and file complaints.”

The complaint identifies U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as directly responsible for the orders leading to the strike, which were allegedly approved by former President Donald Trump. This allegation raises significant legal and ethical questions surrounding the use of military force in civilian contexts.

Human rights attorney Daniel Kovalik, representing the Carranza family, is advocating for accountability, reparations, and a review of the military operations’ legality. Kovalik emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike, calling it an “extrajudicial execution.”

The Inter-American Commission has expressed concern regarding the extraterritorial use of lethal force and reaffirmed that all states must uphold the right to life and due process even during military interventions. The commission has called for the U.S. to ensure that its anti-drug operations adhere to international human rights standards.

In a recent post, President Petro highlighted the dire situation faced by Carranza’s family, describing them as “a very poor family living in the poorest neighborhood of Santa Marta.” He insisted that they are neither terrorists nor drug traffickers, contradicting the U.S. narrative justifying the strikes.

As this case unfolds, the implications could extend beyond Colombia, potentially affecting U.S. military policy and its international operations. The situation remains fluid, with the Inter-American Commission poised to assess the complaint and determine the next steps.

For now, the Carranza family’s plea for justice resonates deeply, highlighting the human cost of military actions in the region. All eyes are on the commission as it navigates this sensitive and urgent matter, drawing attention to the intersection of human rights and military operations.